The former athlete died in Belo Horizonte; the wake and burial take place this Saturday, at the Parque da Colina cemetery
December 26
2025
– 12:27 p.m.
(updated at 12:27 p.m.)
Former player Benito Fantoni died this Friday (26), in Belo Horizonte, at the age of 94. The cause of death has not been communicated.
Born in 1931 in Rome, Italy, Benito took his first steps in football with the Cruzeiro youth team in 1949. Years later, he debuted as a professional player in Venezuela.
Upon his return to Brazil, the defender played for Vasco before wearing the jersey of Atlético-MG, where he was twice champion of Minas Gerais (1956 and 1958).
In 1960, after leaving Galo, he was transferred to Cruzeiro. Returning to his roots, Benito won two more state titles with Raposa before retiring in 1965.
With notable spells at rivals Atlético-MG and Cruzeiro, Benito belonged to one of the most traditional lineages in Minas Gerais football. He was the son of Ninão, Cruzeiro’s idol and record holder, and the nephew of Niginho and Orlando Fantoni.
The wake of Benito Fantoni will take place this Saturday (27), at the Parque da Colina cemetery, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the burial.
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